In Gaziantep, 70-year-old Mesut Uz has been handcrafting zurnas—a traditional Turkish wind instrument—for six decades. Working from the historic Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Uz produces about 10 zurnas daily using dried apricot wood and techniques passed down through generations. Despite rising demand during the wedding season, he struggles to find apprentices as interest in the craft […]
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa secured re-election with 56.13% of the vote in the second-round runoff, defeating leftist candidate Luisa González. Noboa, 37, will serve until 2029 and be sworn in on May 24. Describing the result as “historic,” he said the margin left “no doubt” about the victory. González rejected the outcome, alleged fraud, […]
The Israeli army targeted a UNRWA flour distribution center in Beni Suhaila, Khan Younis, Gaza. The site, located in a refugee camp sheltering displaced Palestinians, was reportedly evacuated before the strike. No casualties were reported.
An Israeli airstrike on the Deir el-Balah Municipality Building in central Gaza killed three people. The Israeli military claimed the building was used as a Hamas command center. The strike destroyed the structure. In a previous attack on the same city, seven Palestinians, including six siblings, were killed.
Thailand’s annual Songkran Water Festival, celebrated April 13–15 as the Thai New Year, began with lively scenes across the country. In Bangkok, crowds of locals and tourists took part in water fights and cultural events amid extreme heat. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined the festivities and welcomed growing international interest. UNESCO recognized Songkran as […]
Countries in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have committed over €21 billion in new military aid, British Defense Secretary John Healey announced after a meeting in Brussels co-chaired by Germany and the UK. The UK pledged a record £4.5 billion for 2024, including drones and anti-tank mines. Germany pledged €11 billion through 2029, with […]
China has raised tariffs on US imports from 84% to 125% in response to new US trade measures. The move, announced by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, accuses the US of violating international trade rules and engaging in “unilateral bullying.” Chinese President Xi Jinping warned there are no winners in trade wars and stressed China’s […]
The US military has confirmed the arrival of a second aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, in the Middle East. It joins the USS Harry S. Truman as part of enhanced regional military presence. Both carriers are conducting joint operations, with F-35C stealth jets deployed. The Pentagon had announced the move in early April as […]
The death toll from the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has risen to 221. The incident occurred during a concert attended by public figures, including singer Rubby Perez and former baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, all of whom died. Authorities have ended search efforts and […]
Severe storms and heavy rains since Wednesday have killed at least 92 people in India and Nepal. Bihar state in India reported 64 deaths, while 20 died in Uttar Pradesh. In Nepal, 8 people were killed by lightning and flooding. Authorities warn that storms will continue through Saturday.